Classic FM’s Zeb Soanes to bring cult classic to cathedral

In 1974 John Betjeman, then Poet Laureate, became an unlikely pop star, recording his verse to music by Jim Parker for the album “Betjeman’s Banana Blush”.

It became a cult classic, treasured by many musicians including Jarvis Cocker and Suggs from Madness.

In a special performance at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Friday, October 25, at 7.30pm, to celebrate “Banana Blush’s” Golden Anniversary year, broadcaster and writer Zeb Soanes will bring Betjeman’s much-loved verse to life alongside the dazzling virtuosity of the Chris Warner Ensemble.

Zeb’s voice delights listeners on Classic FM each week night and captures the many characters and moods of Betjeman’s poems, transporting the audience from 1920’s cocktail party to village bandstand in an hour of toe-tapping delight — telling the story of this unique musical collaboration along the way.

Zeb, for whom recreating “Banana Blush” has been a passion project, says: “Betjeman s poetry was often dismissed in his own lifetime as a little twee and sentimental; and yet what he was quietly doing was document a rapidly disappearing world — the last vestiges of Victorian and Edwardian England: its architecture, its customs and its language.

“‘Banana Blush’ is an utterly joyous hour in celebration of our cuddliest Poet Laureate.”

Set to a score by Jim Parker (four times winner of the BAFTA for Best Original Television Music) this event is not to be missed.

Parker’s music will be instantly familiar from countless memorable TV series: “House of Cards”, “Foyles War”, “The House of Elliot”, “Mapp and Lucia” and “Midsomer Murders”.

With “Banana Blush”, his music transports listeners to a time between the two World Wars and mid-20th century.

Betjeman often explored themes of Englishness and English culture, particularly its architectural heritage, suburban life, and the changing social landscape.

He crossed between classes in a free-spirited way which was unusual for his time.

With his clear diction and keen eye for detail, Betjeman is an accessible and engaging poet. His work is infused with humour and gentle irony, often poking fun at social conventions and the pretensions of the upper classes.

Sir John Betjeman was a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth the Queen mother, acting as Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death in 1984.

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, says: “To have ‘Banana Blush’ come to St Edmundsbury Cathedral is such a treat.

“I love the album and it will be a thrill to see it come to life in Zeb and Chris’s hands. We strive to provide an eclectic mix of programming, and this is a perfect example of something you might not expect to see in the cathedral, but we feel it’s the perfect venue for such a performance.”